Adsorption and enhanced photocatalytic activity of the {0Â 0Â 0Â 1} faceted Sm-doped ZnIn2S4 microspheres

- Sm-doped ZnIn2S4 microspheres were synthesized by hydrothermal method.
- Sm-doped ZnIn2S4 microspheres are composed of nanoplates with {0 0 0 1} facets exposure.
- The negatively charged {0 0 0 1} facets are beneficial for the adsorption of RhB.
- ZnIn2S4 microspheres doped with 2% Sm shows the best visible-light photocatalytic activity.